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History and ancient history

Investigate past worlds and expand your understanding of historical change in our highly regarded programmes, taught by experts sharing their passion and new insights from their latest research.

Why study with us

Curious about the human experience across millennia and cultures, we are seeking to better understand our past to illuminate our present and improve our future. We are an inquisitive academic community, passionate about the study of the past and beliefs from prehistoric times to contemporary societies.

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After graduation

90% of graduates were in employment and/or further study, due to start a new job or course, or doing other activities such as travelling, 15 months after the end of their course. (Graduate Outcomes survey 2020/21).

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Our research

Placed in the top 20 for research power in History (REF 2021).

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We're experts

You'll be taught by internationally respected and research-active experts.

Courses

Entry year

Ancient History (BA)

Full time, 3 years

Explore ancient civilisations over two millennia, from the Bronze Age to the rise of Islam, stretching from ancient Greece and Rome to Mesopotamia, Iran and the Silk Route.

Ancient History and History (BA)

Full time, 3 years

Our stimulating joint honours degree in ancient history and history allows you to explore the past, spanning three millennia and a vast geographical area.

Archaeology and Ancient History (BA)

Full time, 3 years

Explore ancient Mediterranean, European and Near Eastern societies from different perspectives, and understand how past and present are intertwined.

Archaeology and History (BA)

Full time, 3 years

Immerse yourself in the study of the remains of past societies, from the tiny objects worn on the body and monumental complexes to twentieth-century propaganda.

English Literature and History (BA)

Full time, 3 years

Combine your love of the past with your passion for literature on our rich and rewarding joint honours degree.

History (BA)

Full time, 3 years

Investigate the past and expand your horizons with an inspiring degree designed for historians in the making.  

History and a Modern Language (BA)

Full time with year abroad, 4 years

Embrace your passion for history and languages, studying the past while becoming a trained linguist with our flexible degree.

Modern History and Politics (BA)

Full time, 3 years

Gain a wealth of skills, open the doors to a variety of career paths, and study politics while exploring key moments in history on our BA Modern History and Politics programme.

Welsh and History (BA)

Full time, 3 years

Our dynamic joint honours Welsh and History (BA) programme allows you to study the Welsh language, its literature and culture, while exploring and understanding key moments in history.

Our videos

Our academics share insight into this fascinating subject, the welcoming community you’ll join, and the kinds of exciting opportunities and wider support you can expect.

Studying History at Cardiff University

Our academics share insight into this fascinating subject, the welcoming community you’ll join, and the kinds of exciting opportunities and wider support you can expect.

Our academics share insight into this fascinating subject, the welcoming community you’ll join, and the kinds of exciting opportunities and wider support you can expect.

Studying Ancient History at Cardiff University

Our academics share insight into this fascinating subject, the welcoming community you’ll join, and the kinds of exciting opportunities and wider support you can expect.

Hear from academics and students about what it is like to study history and ancient history with us.

History and ancient history at Cardiff University

Hear from academics and students about what it is like to study history and ancient history with us.

Dr Jenny Benham and Charlotte Willis talk about the importance of learning about other cultures and societies.

Learning together

Dr Jenny Benham and Charlotte Willis talk about the importance of learning about other cultures and societies.

Hear from MJ who studies ancient history with us.

What our students say

Hear from MJ who studies ancient history with us.

I really enjoyed the academic freedom of studying history. In the first year you are introduced to new and diverse historical areas. The academic staff are amazingly supportive. I felt valued and supported throughout my degree. The teaching standard is amazing, and I was able to really engage with each new subject I undertook.
Angharad Owen BA History

Learn more about us

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Joint honours options

Combine your studies with another subject, including Economics, English Literature and Politics.

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Study abroad

You can spend a year studying abroad as part of your degree, gaining valuable cultural experience and opportunities for travel.

There’s a welcoming environment that very much feels like a tight-knit community, one that has made my university experience one to remember. I was able to tailor my degree to fit my personal needs and interests, creating a unique programme that was right for me.
Gemma Hopley BA Ancient History

An innovative and internationally recognised centre of excellence

Most lectures, tutorials and practicals take place in our home, the John Percival Building. It includes purpose-designed and specialist suites of conservation and archaeological laboratories.

Just next door is the Arts and Social Sciences Library, home to our prestigious Special Collections plus extensive collections and archives in archaeology, ancient history and history.

Explore Cardiff University

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Student support

Get free, impartial and confidential advice on disability and dyslexia, money, careers, counselling and more.

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Guaranteed accommodation

If you arrive in September, you're guaranteed a single occupancy room, and you'll be allocated with other first-year students.

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Student life

Learn more about our sport and recreation, free language programmes, living costs, learning support and the Students' Union.

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Living costs

See how far your money goes by using our living costs calculator.

Next steps

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View our history undergraduate courses

Explore our courses.

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View brochure

View our history undergraduate brochure.

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Contact us

Ask a question via our enquiry form, and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

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How to apply

Everything you need to know about our application process.

Other subjects you might be interested in

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Archaeology and conservation

Our widely-respected practical degrees deliver the training, skills and knowledge to help you make your mark within the heritage sector, plus the employability skills to carve out your career in related fields.

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Religious studies and theology

Explore the histories, cultures and beliefs of major and less well-known religious traditions, taking your pick of approaches with our richly rewarding degrees.

Source: Contains HESA Data: Copyright Jisc 2023. Jisc cannot accept responsibility for any inferences or conclusions derived by third parties from its data.